Discover a fast, easy poker game that’s big on fun and low on risk. Caribbean Stud is one of the best poker variations for beginner players, with a huge following, exciting gameplay, and significant payout potential. Note, however, that this is not traditional poker, wherein players compete against each other. This is a casino table game, which gives the casino a slight edge due to dealer rules and bonus bets.

The appeal of Caribbean Stud vs. 5-Card Stud poker is that you’re playing against the dealer instead of other players, so you only have to focus on the dealer’s hand and your own. Ready to play poker online? Read on to unpack game rules, tips, and strategies for an exciting Caribbean stud game.

Caribbean Stud Poker Rules

Caribbean Stud Poker rules are based on Five-Card Draw but with one crucial difference: The aim is to beat the dealer and not other players. This creates a totally different atmosphere and style of play. 

At the beginning of a round, each player makes a set ante bet and receives five cards face down. The dealer also receives five cards, with one face up for everyone to see. Players can then look at their hands and decide whether to fold or play. If you fold, you lose your ante bet. If you play, you place a bet twice the size of your ante. The dealer then shows their hand to determine the outcome.

If the dealer’s hand does not contain ace-king or better, the dealer doesn’t qualify to play, and all players win even money on their antes. If the dealer qualifies and your hands tie, you get even money on your ante and your raise. Should you beat the dealer, your payout depends on the strength of your hand. Some Caribbean Stud Poker games also have a progressive jackpot ante bet, an extra bet that usually requires a royal flush to win the jackpot.

Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy

Unlike with player-banked variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, you don’t need to have the best hand to win at Caribbean Stud – you just have to beat the dealer. This creates an opportunity for odds-based strategy, much like video poker. When the dealer qualifies, there are only two decisions to make. Either you fold or raise.

When to Raise

If you have a pair or better, raise. On average, you’ll beat the dealer, regardless of their up card.

When to Fold

If your hand is worse than ace-king, fold automatically.

How to Play Ace-King

When you are dealt ace-king, tweak your strategy according to the dealer’s up card.

If the dealer shows anything between deuce and queen and you’re holding a card of the same rank, you should raise.

If the dealer shows an ace or a king, you should only raise if your hand includes a queen or a jack.

Also, raise if you’re holding ace, king, and queen, and your fourth highest card is better than the dealer’s up card. For example, you should raise if you have ace-king-queen-ten-four (A-K-Q-T-4) and they’re showing a nine. If they show a ten or better, it’s best to fold.

Caribbean Stud Poker Tips

The most important Caribbean Stud Poker tip for any beginner player is to learn the poker hand rankings by heart, from high card to royal flush. Since there is no need to read and bluff other players, you can achieve good results simply by applying basic Caribbean Stud Poker strategy (as described above) based on the hand you’re dealt and the dealer’s up card.

With strategically consistent play, you should never spend more than the house edge of 5.2%. This is quite large compared to blackjack and roulette, so practice good bankroll management. Remember that the minimum to play is an ante bet plus a raise worth twice the ante. Say the table minimum is $5. If the dealer qualifies and you have a good hand, it’ll cost you $15 to play. On average, playing 100 hands at the same bet level will cost you approximately $80. As a result, Caribbean Stud is a game best played for fun.

Caribbean Stud Poker Odds

The strategy for this poker variant is based on the fact that Caribbean Stud is very much based on luck. If you look into it, you’ll see that Caribbean Stud poker odds are somewhat less favorable than variants like Texas Hold’em. That’s because there’s no way to improve your hand on the flop, turn, or river. In Caribbean Stud, you get only one shot, based on a single deal from a 52-card deck. That said, a beginner generally has a better chance of winning a hand of Caribbean Stud than beating experienced opponents in Texas Hold’em, regardless of the odds.

Hand	Caribbean Stud	Hold’em Odds
Royal Flush	+ 649,739	+ 30,939
Straight Flush	+ 72,192	+ 3,590
Four of a Kind	+ 4,165	+ 594
Full House	+ 693	+37.5
Flush	+ 509	+32
Straight	+ 254	+21
Three of a Kind	+ 46	+20
Two Pair	+ 20	+3.25
One Pair	+ 1.3	+1.3
High Card	+ 1	+4.75

Caribbean Stud Poker Payouts

In Caribbean Stud Poker, payouts are determined by a paytable. Here’s what you can expect to win in many casinos if you beat the dealer with the following hands:

• One pair or less:  even money
• Two pair:  2-to-1
• Three of a kind:  3-to-1
• Straight:  4-to-1
• Flush:  5-to-1
• Full house:  7-to-1
• Four of a Kind:  20-to-1
• Straight flush:  50-to-1
• Royal flush:  100-to-1

Why Choose BetMGM to Play Online Poker

It’s time to take your newfound knowledge to the online poker table. 

To play Caribbean Stud or a range of other exciting poker variants, register to play online poker at BetMGM. Take advantage of BetMGM’s poker welcome bonus and enjoy cash games, poker tournaments, and more.

Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, be sure to check out our dedicated poker blog. Here, you’ll find informative articles and how-tos to assist your game and understand the industry in greater depth. Check out tips and strategies to master mixed games in poker and how seven-card stud and Texas Hold’em compare for a jump-start lesson in all things poker.

Strategize wisely, enjoy the thrill, and may the cards be in your favor.